Diversity and Inclusion Commitments
June 5th, 2020
Clemson Panhellenic,
Our hearts go out to our sisters and Clemson family who are impacted by the acts of unjust violence and systemic racism that has existed for centuries and still today. The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are just the most recent killings in a pattern of violence against Black Americans. We spent the past week as an executive board reflecting and listening.
We, the Clemson Panhellenic Executive Board, stand in solidarity with the Black community. We have to speak out and stand up for victims of marginalization and oppression simply due to their race, ethnicity, and identity. We know a statement is not enough and we must take action to create change.
That is why we are committing to the following:
Creating a Diversity and Inclusion Committee consisting of panhellenic women. The Panhellenic Vice President will oversee this committee, and our bylaws will be updated to reflect this change in the position job description. The Vice President, along with this committee will review our current procedures and programming, collaborate with identity based groups across campus and provide educational events and resources to our members.
Incorporating diversity, equity & inclusion education into our Pi Chi training, New Member education resources, and Panhellenic Delegate meetings. This curriculum will address our own biases and educate women on how to stand up to racism.
Creating an inclusive environment for all four Greek councils at the annual homecoming float build.
Hosting Voter Registration Drives to ensure that sisters are registered to vote and have their voice heard.
Financially supporting organizations local to the Clemson area that work to achieve equality.
Continually provide accessible resources to the entire Panhellenic community to learn about diversity, equity & inclusion.
Vowing to continue the conversation of inclusion with our panhellenic sisterhood, greek councils, and Clemson community.
Most importantly, we are committed to condemning all acts of bigotry, racism, intolerance and the acts of discrimination. A sisterhood where these occur is not a genuine sisterhood. We will not stand by if members feel anything less than validated and respected. Many of our organizations were founded with or because of exclusionary roots; we have work to do and we must be better. These commitments are a start, but we know there is much more work to do. We welcome and want to hear your voices, please reach out to gloadho@g.clemson.edu with any thoughts and feedback.
Together, we can build a more inclusive sisterhood. We encourage each of you to inspire one another to aim higher and to be better: leaders, sisters, and Clemson Tigers.
With love,
Clemson Panhellenic Executive Board